Malta Is the Mediterranean's Epic Travel and Events Destination for 2024

Malta is shining bright in 2024.

The marvelous Mediterranean nation got a major star turn as a setting for ABC's "The Bachelor" in early February. And, thanks to its award-winning hotels, for the third consecutive year Malta was featured on Forbes Travel Guide's annual Luxury Star Awards top-destinations roster. The Maltese Islands' wines also are making a global splash with the new national Wine Ambassador Josef Bonello, whose work will showcase Malta's spectacular wine and gastronomy.

Much more is in store in 2024 across LGBTQ+-friendly Malta. From its sunny shores and unforgettable cities, the Mediterranean archipelago, located just south of Italy, is hosting an incredible slate of events and festivals through the first half of the year. From rock star Ed Sheeran's June 26 blowout concert, to the holy annual Easter Celebration, to the Malta International Arts Festival, travelers to Malta can take in some of the world's best cultural experiences.

It all kicks off March 13th with the country's first-ever Maltabiennale.art, premiering international artworks from around the world in Malta's unique sea setting, across all three of its islands – Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The inaugural biennale is organized through the Heritage Malta arts initiative, taking place within the country's historic locations, including two UNESCO World Heritage sites, one in capital city Valletta, the other in Gozo's ancient temple complex, Ggantija. The Maltabiennale runs through May 31, 2024.

As the fabulous setting for EuroPride in 2023, Malta will again welcome LGBTQ+ travelers to celebrate Malta Pride, taking place September 6-15, 2024. Malta remains one of the best queer-friendly destinations in the world, holding the top spot on the Rainbow Europe Map & Index since 2015 for its positive commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and community support.

Here's a rundown of the incredible array of cultural, athletic, historical, fine-arts, and other events taking place in Malta and Gozo in the first half of 2024.

Malta

Tune In: MUŻIKA MUŻIKA (March 14 – 16, 2024)
Kanzunetta Maltija is a prestigious festival produced by Festivals Malta, showcasing different genres of Maltese music in an annual competition.

Runners (and Spectators) Take Your Places: La Valette Marathon (March 24, 2024)
The highly-anticipated third edition of the La Valette Marathon by Corsa, a full or half marathon event, is not just a race; it's an immersive experience that combines the thrill of running with a captivating journey through Malta's rich cultural heritage. Runners will follow an entirely coastal route along the idyllic Mediterranean Sea.

Heritage of Observance: Easter Celebration (March 29 – April 7, 2024)
Easter Week in Malta invites locals and tourists to observe events and displays across Malta and Gozo, from solemn Good Friday to colorful Easter celebrations across the islands.

In-Depth Arts: Valletta Resounds: The Caravaggio Experience (Annually from March - June)
Held at the Oratory inside St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta Resounds elegantly strings together the Caravaggio masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John, with theatrical storytelling and timeless classical music.

Celebration of Creativity: Malta International Arts Festival (June 14 – 23, 2024)
The Malta International Arts Festival in Valletta spans 15 days, encompassing diverse visual arts, music, theater, dance, opera, installations, films, community projects, and interactive events. Site-specific performances are held in unique locations like Neolithic temple sites, Baroque architectural spaces, and the picturesque views of Valletta's Grand Harbour.

Illumination All Around: International Firework Festival (June 14 – 23, 2024)
Fireworks in Malta are part of a centuries-old tradition, and the Malta International Fireworks Festival brings a weeklong international "pyromusical" competition – matching fireworks to the rhythm of a musical number – to locations around the archipelago.

Starry Night: Ed Sheeran Live in Concert (June 26, 2024)
Global superstar Ed Sheeran will perform in late June in the iconic setting of Ta' Qali National Park in Attard, just 20 minutes outside Valletta.

Gozo

Jubilee for All: Carnival in Gozo (February 9 – 13, 2024)
The Il-Karnival ta' Malta is an unforgettable annual festival celebrated on both Malta and the sister island of Gozo. The five-day celebration highlights the culture and religious events that date back more than five centuries, including parades, parties, magical costumes, and live shows.

Operatic Centennial: La Bohème (April 20, 2024)
For the 100th anniversary of opera composer Giacomo Puccini's death, the Gaulitana: Festival of Music presents La Bohème. The production will feature the Gaulitanus Choir and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of conductor Colin Attard, promising to honor Puccini with a youthful, emotionally raw production unlike any other.

Run On: Gozo Run – Il-Girja t'Ghawdex (April 28, 2024)
The oldest organized running event in the Maltese Islands, Ġirja t'Għawdex, returns in April. Hosted by Run Gozo and dating to 1977, participants can join for the marathon, half-marathon, walkathon, or family 2K fun runs.

Fulfilling a Dream: "Valeriana" at Astra Theatre (May 4, 2024)
He was one of Malta's great composers, and Joseph Vella's passing in 2018 left a void in the local cultural scene that also cut short his work on what was meant to be his magnum opus, the opera Valeriana. Vella's former student Christopher Muscat completed the opera, and he will conduct the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra for this world premiere in May.

LGBTQ+ travelers can learn more about upcoming events at GayMalta.com, GayGuideMalta.com, and at VisitMalta's gay-travel webpage. Plan your visit today with help from Visit Malta's Travel Information resources.

Read more about Malta: The Hidden LGBTQ Gem of the Mediterranean.